 Congratulations go out to Nathaniel who was named first grade student of the month at Knapp Charter Academy. Be sure to check out the video of him getting his award located in the cinemas.
Keep up the good work Nate! |
Archive for category Greg’s Ramblings
Congratulations Nathaniel
Jan 27
I can’t believe how…
Jan 18
I can’t believe how cold outside it is. They say the temperatures are going to be below zero this weekend, especially with the wind chill. It will be a good weekend to stay inside and finally upload those videos and pictures that I have been talking about for some time. Maybe I will get around to doing it. listen
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Update: No, I didn’t get around to uploading any of the pictures or videos. Instead, I spent much of the weekend working on a collection of non-working computers for various people. Maybe next weekend…
It’s Official…
Jan 9
Well it is now official, my Apple Powerbook is a goner. The video on the LCD display won’t light and the external video adapter refuses to work as well. I’ve been able to pull some of the files I wanted off it by using Target Disk mode (connect by firewire to anther Mac and boot while holding down the T key). For some reason, the computer shuts itself off when I try to copy off certain files. I’ve managed to pull most of the Christmas videos and pictures off of it and put them on to another computer. I will hopefully be posting those soon (No really, I mean it). Hopefully I can find another Apple computer to take its place soon (it has been incredibly handy having a laptop capable of administering my work functions from home while at the same time providing the ability to edit video, pictures, and websites where ever I may be).
Photos and Movies Delayed
Dec 29
Due to a unique problem with my laptop…the screen no longer powers on (ordinarily not a problem, but all of my photos/videos are on my old Powerbook laptop and I don’t have the adapter cable to connect it to an external monitor). I’m working on connecting it directly to my old iMac to copy the files off…when I do, I promise I will post all of the lost treasures to the site.
Merry Christmas
Dec 25
Nathaniel, Zachary, Monica, and myself wish everyone a very, very Merry Christmas. Check back in the next few days as we add Christmas pictures to our gallery and Christmas movies to the cinemas.
Christmas Videos
Dec 23
Be sure to check out our latest videos in the Chronicles Cinemas. New videos featuring:
- Nathaniel’s first grade winter concert
- The boy’s singing Christmas Carols
- Nathaniel and Zachary preform at the Creative Learning Center’s Winter Concert
Be sure to check them out!
This is a test post…
Oct 15
This is a test post from my cell phone to the [...] Chronicle. This is a test to see how well it translates my speech into words.
Click here to listen
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Scratch
Oct 9
The other day I stumbled on a project on MIT’s website called Scratch.
Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art — and share your creations on the web.
Scratch is designed to help young people (ages 8 and up) develop 21st century learning skills. As they create Scratch projects, young people learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the process of design.
The ballerina above, is my second attempt (with help from Nathaniel) at creating something for the site (with a little more time, perhaps I can create something a little more creative/interesting). On the surface, it is quit easy to put something like this together. Upon further examination, you will find the software really is quite flexible in what you can do with it. You can use its built-in backgrounds, sounds, and characters (called costumes) or you can import your own. I recommend you create an account for yourself and have a go at it…After all, it is a free program.
Fire Prevention Week
Oct 9
On Monday, we visited Walker Fire Department’s Station #2. In honor of Fire Prevention Week the Walker Fire Department opened its doors to the general public in the way of an open house. When we arrived at the station the first thing we noticed is that they pulled their hook and ladder out of the garage and pointed its long ladder high into the air.
There were lots of things to do at the station. Out front, Nathaniel and Zachary had the opportunity to put out a “fire” using real fire hoses. The department had set up a wooden house with hinged flames in the windows, door, and chimney. With the help of one of the department’s firefighters, each of them got the chance to put out the fire. Inside the station, they had their pumper truck open so that you can climb up to see what it is like in the cab behind the wheel of a firetruck or in the back where they suit up en route to a fire. Nathaniel and Monica worked together with another firefighter on creating an escape plan for our house. Meanwhile, Zachary found a table loaded with cookies and juice and proceeded to fill-up on them. They also had a display on medicines and how they often look like candy…don’t worry though, Nathaniel knew they weren’t M&M’s®.
All-in-all we had a great time at the open house. Nathaniel was very excited about creating an escape plan…he personally showed Monica and I the tree we need to meet at if we ever have to put his evacuation plan in action.
The Vedders Family went to see the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Van Andel Arena. In our opinion, there is now wonder as to why this circus is referred to as the “Greatest Show on Earth.” To begin with, we got to experience an incredible pre-show on the arena floor. During the pre-show, we got to talk to clowns, watch elephants paint, watch exciting acrobatics, and skillful riding of uniquely bizarre unicycles. Zachary go to sit on one of the motorcycles used in the Globe of Death. Nathaniel got to dance with a clown and even learned a new dance using his arm as an elephant’s trunk.
After the one hour pre-show we grabbed our seats and enjoyed the show. Be sure to check out The Circus of Dreams on their website for a full run down of the show. One last thing, if you get a chance, be sure to catch the show…it is definitely worth it.